Independently adjustable height work support

ABSTRACT

A portable and independently adjustable height work support device that among other uses, can be used as a portable sawhorse or as an adjunct to scaffolding in home and commercial applications. This device can be made out of wood or any other suitable materials such as plastic, fiberglass or metal. Some of the unique elements are that the vertical extensions enable the sides of the working surface to be adjusted evenly or independently at an angle. The apparatus comprises a base unit and an upper unit which comprises a horizontal member pivotally attached on both ends to vertical members that can be locked into the base unit at various heights. These vertical members are attached to the lower base using pegs or their equivalent such as screws or wedges if desired. The lower base also comprises upper and lower cross members that provide stability. For added stability, the vertical members slide up and down within the top portion of the leg assembly. Further, having a wider top, allows for more stability, and the ability of the user to use one saw horse only at times and also gives the user the ability to stand on the apparatus and use it as a scaffold. This invention also relates to a kit for making the independently adjustable height work support apparatus.

REFERENCES CITED

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6712180 Mar., 2004 Levy 6659440 Dec., 2003 Levy 5865269 Feb., 1999 Eskesen 6059071 May, 2000 Appezzato 6209683 Apr., 2001 Holtz 6298946 Oct., 2001 Yemini 5839540 Nov., 1998 Russell 4727960 Mar., 1988 Chaffee D425210 May, 2000 DuRapau

This application is related to copending US Design patent application entitled “Independently adjustable height work support” filed on July 29, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a work support similar to a sawhorse or adjunct scaffolding, and more particularly, to a work support that is independently height adjustable in order to raise a supported work piece to the desired height, and that is adjustable to set the work piece at a desired angle. Further, in its current embodiment, or with some variation (such as increasing the length of the vertical extensions), this apparatus can be used as an adjunct to scaffolding. The present invention further relates to an independently height adjustable having its base members modified to render them stronger. It further relates to allowing for height adjustment, while maintaining stability since the top member does not shift from side to side as it is raised.

This invention further relates to a method of making an adjustable height work support. This method includes assembling the pieces as shown in the figure using generally commonly available materials.

This invention further relates to a kit for assembling an adjustable height work support system.

This invention further relates to a method of advertising an adjustable height work support system.

The invention further relates to a kit for building the subject apparatus. This kit consists of all the pieces described in the drawings which include but are not limited to the legs, the lower cross members, the upper cross members, the lower pegs, the upper pegs, the lower base, the spacers, the top base the top braces, and the top. Multiple variations are included for this kit. In the preferred embodiment of this kit, all the pieces (except for fasteners which are made of metal) are made of wood. In this variation, the upper and lower pegs are removable to allow for adjustment up and down of the vertical extensions and to allow for replacing the vertical extensions with longer and shorter ones if desired.

In another variation, other materials or material combinations are used such as plastics or plastics combined with wood. In another embodiment, the kit includes numbered or color coded pieces for easy identification and assembly.

In another variation, all parts are glued together except for the vertical extensions, which are pivotally connected to the top base and connected through pegs to the lower base unit.

In another variation, the vertical extensions are permanently attached to the top base using commonly available fasteners (such as glue and metal screws). The vertical extensions then slide through the lower base without allowing the height to be unevenly adjusted. In this variation, since the vertical extensions are attached permanently to the top base, and have no pivoting point, adjustment can be only made by raising both sides evenly.

This invention further relates to a method of reaching high places by creating an adjustable height work surface (such as scaffolding) that is portable and easily adjustable, without the need for using a plurality of this invention. Using this method, the person can adjust the height of the apparatus by moving each of the sides up and down so that the vertical extensions slide up or down through the extension supports, then inserting the peg in the appropriate slot, then climbing up and standing, sitting or kneeling on the top piece and performing any desired activity at that height. For this application, the length of the vertical extensions can be as long as 4 feet. Another variation will include the legs mounted at a wider angle to provide more stability and the vertical extensions reaching as long as 8 feet or more.

In another variation the legs could have additional supports attached to each leg and then attached to the lower base.

In another variation the legs could have additional supports extending from a point on one leg to another point another leg (such as from the mid point of one leg to the bottom, top or mid point of another leg).

In another variation of the invention, the “top” portion (work surface) could be as wide as desired such as 6 inches or more (up to 2 feet wide or more) to provide a more stable and wider surface for either laying work pieces on the top piece or standing on said top piece. To accomplish this, the top braces may be of the desired length to support the top piece.

In another variation, the vertical extension pieces are between 1 and 8 feet long or longer.

In another variation of the invention, the “top” portion (work surface) could be as long as desired to provide a longer work surface. In addition, a means can be provided (such as commonly available fasteners and/or a bracket) to allow the top to remain stable.

In another variation, the top piece can be one solid piece of material or multiple boards of material.

In another variation, the invention may not include any or all of the top brace or the top, or the end caps.

In another variation, the invention may not include the top brace and the top piece may be mounted directly to the top base.

In another variation either one or both end caps on the lower base and/or upper base may be completely eliminated.

In another variation, either one or both end caps may be constructed in such a way that they have an additional rim that fits around the end of each of the lower and upper base units (in a fashion similar to a bottle cap).

In other variations, the said pegs are round or of any other shape.

In another variation, the independently adjustable height work support further comprises 3 or more leg assemblies.

In another variation, the independently adjustable height work support further comprises 3 or more vertical extensions.

In another variation, the top may be left unattached to the braces to allow for easily switching tops.

In another variation, the independently adjustable height work support further comprises a rigidly attached to vertical extension to the top base unit, wherein individual adjustment of each of the sides is not permitted.

In another variation, additional vertical extensions can be used for added support.

In another variation, the apparatus can be made of any materials or combination of materials such as but not limited to wood, plastic, molded plastic, other composite materials, or metal. As an example, the apparatus can be made of wood except for the fasteners, which can be made of metal and the top that can be made of plastic.

In another variation, multiple lower cross members can be used for added support or to form a ladder or for attaching work support items such as hooks or shelves.

The invention also relates to a method of marketing work surfaces. This method include a combination of internet and trade magazine advertisements.

In another variation, the height adjustment can be achieved by putting one or more pieces of material (of any desired shape such as blocks) between the top assembly and the lower assembly thus “propping” the top base up.

In another variation, the height adjustment can be achieved by providing other mechanical means to separate the top base from the bottom base. This could include any form of a “jack” (hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, etc).

In another variation, this invention can be readily manufactured from readily available materials and is simple in construction.

In another variation, the said pegs are secured by using securing devices (such as cotter pins) on one or both ends.

In another variation, as a manufacture, the kit may use precut pieces of wood, plastic, fiberglass, metal, or other materials, or any combinations thereof, to form the independently adjustable height work support described in any of the previous claims.

The work support is also suited for the support of one end of a long work piece that extends beyond a worktable. The work support has the capability of adjusting to a height matching the typical workbench height, and then being leveled to match the plane of the work table, creating a stable condition for the work piece.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE ART

For many years craftsmen have used various devices to support work pieces such as lumber, gypsum board, etc., so that a supported work piece can be manipulated or altered in some way by a craftsman. One of the most common support devices is identified as a sawhorse and generally consists of two pairs of two legs located and attached near the ends of a connecting rigid beam, the combination of the beam and supporting legs being used to support a work piece.

In its most simple form, the sawhorse consists of four pieces of equal length wood serving as legs, being fastened to another larger connecting wood piece serving as a work support beam. Typically two opposing legs are mechanically fastened near each end of the support beam. The legs are usually splayed relative to each other and form an approximate right angle with the longitudinal axis of the support beam. The sawhorse is placed on a floor or similar bearing surface in a manner that allows placement of the work piece on the support beam. Usually used in pairs, the described sawhorse is utilitarian but often is not easily adaptable to varying needs of the craftsman for adjusting height or angle of the work piece while maintaining stability. Further, such sawhorses have narrow work support beams or tops, thus rendering it unstable for standing on, and not very functional if not used in pairs.

SOME OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, some of the several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

-   -   1. The need for stable, safe and adjustable supports while         engaged in interior and exterior construction projects.     -   2. To provide a height adjustable work support member that can         be raised or lowered to a desired height position.     -   3. To provide a work support member that can be adjusted at each         end independently.     -   4. To provide a work support member that maintains stability         when raised.     -   5. To provide a work support member that is easy to adjust.     -   6. To provide the ability to height adjust beyond the length of         the vertical extensions by easily replacing the vertical         extensions with longer ones as desired.     -   7. To provide a work support that can be used by itself (not in         plurality) as needed due to a wider top (working surface), such         top could be as wide as desired based on the application at         hand.     -   8. To provide for easy transportation by easily disassembling         various parts of the work surface by simply removing various         pegs.     -   9. To provide a durable, versatile and simple work support         device.     -   10. To provide an adjustable adjunct to a worktable.     -   11. Potential problems with previously noted products,         especially metal based products, could endanger the user, either         through potential electrical shock or damage to equipment         (circular saws, etc) by striking the metal portions of the         support system. In its preferred embodiment, this apparatus is         made of wood, thus eliminating these dangers.     -   12. Work support stations have been made to be entirely         utilitarian, using low cost, simple, disposable and sometimes         discarded materials. Support stations have been used as a         product of necessity rather than a well thought out, safe         support system using higher-grade materials and viewed as a         non-disposable system. This product is a high grade, portable,         vertically adjustable product that can be used as both a common         sawhorse, a horizontal support, an angled support, and a         scaffold support.     -   13. Further objects and advantages are to provide a simply         constructed, reliable and multi-use work support device that is         simple to adjust and use, with the added versatility of         stability, independent height adjustment, and multiuse. Still         further objects and advantages will become apparent from a         consideration of the following description and drawings.

DRAWING FIGURES (THE FOLLOWING ARE INFORMAL DRAWINGS)

FIG. 1—SIDE VIEW—VARIABLE HEIGHT

FIG. 2—SIDE VIEW—SKEWED HEIGHT

FIG. 3—END VIEW—VARIABLE HEIGHT

FIG. 4—TOP VIEW

FIG. 5—BOTTOM VIEW

FIG. 6—PERSPECTIVE VIEW—LOW POSITION

FIG. 7—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND DIMENSIONS

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   A—the top base -   B—the lower base -   C—the legs -   D—the upper cross members -   E—the lower cross members -   F—the spacers -   G—the end caps -   H—the vertical extensions -   I—the top -   J—the top brace -   K—the upper peg

OPERATION

The manner of using the independently adjustable height work support is similar to the traditional sawhorse and/or scaffolding, but its utility is greatly expanded by the ability to adjust the height width and length of the working surface.

Height is adjustable by the operator removing the pegs from each side at a time and then raising or lowering that side until the desired hole in the vertical extension is lined with the hole in the lower base unit. Then the operator reinserts the peg. The same process is followed for the other side.

PREFERED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment, this apparatus (and the preferred dimensions) is as shown in the attached figure labeled preferred embodiment and dimensions, further comprising:

-   -   The apparatus is made out of a high quality wood (preferably         oak)     -   Fastening is done using generally available fasteners such as         glue, nails and screws.     -   Screw holes should be predrilled and set in so that once the         screws are in the hole, the hole can be covered so the screw         head will not be visible.     -   The said legs are attached to the lower base at an angle between         45 and 90 degrees.

The said vertical extension pieces are between 2 and 3 feet long.

The said pegs are round

-   -   The said vertical member is 1/16^(th) of and inch, or more,         narrower than the interior of the lower base.

RAMIFICATIONS

Although the preceding description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the length and width of the top and top bases and lower bases can be changed, the legs can be attached to the lower base at an angle different angles, the method of fastening the various parts can be different depending the materials used, the length of the vertical extensions can be changed, the length and width of the legs can be changed, the shape of the legs can be changed. Leveling tubes that are commonly used in a carpenter's level can be installed in the top base and/or the lower base. A separate replaceable cover to protect the upper beam surfaces from suffering tool damage during use can be fitted to the top piece. Such protection should greatly increase the useful life of the work support. Also, when using two work supports, strategically located vertical holes through the top piece could be made available to provide attachment of a working surface, thus creating a temporary worktable. Utilizing the upper beam movement, the two work supports so used could be angled towards the user, creating a comfortably slanted work surface similar to a drafting table.

Additional embodiments other than described above are possible, such as using round or rounded vertical extensions, or rounded legs in place of the square legs illustrated. Other embodiments of the invention are possible from those described or illustrated. Such embodiments would be directed to increase the ease of manufacturing, availability of materials, simplify construction in order to reduce cost, expand the scope of usefulness, or enhance the ease of operation.

SCOPE

Thus the scope of the invention should not be limited to this application or the examples presented, but should extend to all legal equivalents. 

1. An independently adjustable height work support comprising: a—One or more longitudinal pieces of material; b—Said pieces of longitudinal material attached to each other using glue or other commonly available fasteners to form top; c—A first top base with a hole drilled at each end; d—A second top base with a hole drilled at each end; e—one or more top base braces; f—said top base braces are equidistantly spread and are sandwiched and attached to the top bases along the top bases wide side thus forming a top horizontal base unit; g—said top loosely place on the top horizontal base unit; h—a first vertical extension with thickness equal to or less than the top base braces; i—said first vertical extension having one or more holes in it; j—two top pegs; k—Said first vertical extension is pivotally attached to the first end to the top bases by sliding the peg through the end hole of the first top base then through the top hole on the end of the vertical extension then through the hole on the second top base, and sandwiched between the two top bases; l—A second vertical extension with thickness equal to or less than the top base braces; m—said second vertical extension having one or more holes in it; n—Said second vertical extension is pivotally attached to the second end of the top bases and sandwiched between the two top bases thus forming the top base assembly; o—A first lower base; p—A second lower base; q—One or more lower base spacers; r—said lower base braces are equidistantly spread and are sandwiched and attached to the lower bases along the lower bases' wide side to form the lower base assembly; s—a plurality of legs; t—said legs being slightly wider than the vertical extension; u—each of said legs is connected at one end to each of the four lower corners of the lower base assembly at an angle using commonly available fasteners such as glue and/or screws to form the leg assembly; v—four upper cross members; w—said cross members attached on the top inside and outside portions of said leg assembly; x—said vertical extensions inserted between said lower base assembly in such a way as to allow up and down motion of the top base assembly; y—two lower pegs; z—said vertical extensions are locked in place in the lower base assembly by inserting the lower pegs through the hole in one end of the lower base, then through the desired hole in the vertical extension then through the hole in the other lower base for each of the two said vertical extensions, hence the to base unit is supported.
 2. The independently adjustable height work support of claim 1 further comprising a—two lower cross members; b—said lower cross members attached at any point below the top cross members and on the inside portion of the leg assembly;
 3. The independently adjustable height work support of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of lower cross members attached on the outside and/or inside of the said leg assembly.
 4. The independently adjustable height work support of claim 1 further comprising end caps attached at each end of said top base assembly.
 5. The independently adjustable height work support of claim 1 further comprising multiple top base assemblies with vertical extensions, such that the length of the vertical extensions, and the width of the tops is different for each of the top base assemblies. This allows the user to select the top base assembly that best fits their needs.
 6. The independently adjustable height work support of claim 1 where multiple tops of varying widths are available that can be attached individually using commonly available fastening techniques.
 7. As a manufacture, a kit for use with pre-dimensional pieces of wood to form the independently adjustable height work support described in any of the previous claims; and a means for assembling the pieces of wood using commonly available fasteners.
 8. As a manufacture, a kit for use precut pieces of wood to form the independently adjustable height work support described in any of the previous claims; and a method for fastening the pieces together using commonly available fasteners. 